OK, just got an idea. Since I want to add 2 (possibly 4) additional batteries before spring, I was trying to figure out a place to install the additional batteries. I am not a fan of putting them in the front storage compartment. I can not mount them on the tongue as I would not be able to get to the propane tanks... but I though I may be able to take the batteries and put them in the front propane tank compartment and the tanks on the tongue (like other TT's).

So I measured the propane storage area and if the rough measurements are correct, it looks like I could get 6 batteries in there. I would build a battery rack using angle iron and add a small vent/fan.... This is what I think I will do, but FIRST I need to calculate how much this will add to the tongue weight. I believe it was around 700 lbs with the 2 existing batteries.

I think you would significantly increase your tongue weight by adding six batteries, maybe around 400-500 pounds to the front of the TT. Might be too much. People smarter than I will chime in here shortly.

I think you would significantly increase your tongue weight by adding six batteries, maybe around 400-500 pounds to the front of the TT. Might be too much. People smarter than I will chime in here shortly.

I know that there is a going to be an increase in tongue weight, but it is not a direct 1lb to 1lb increase, because of the leverage factor. I know that the general rule of thumb is a ?% of the entire TT weight to calculate the approximate tongue weight, but that is based on a standard trailer, which is close to being a balanced load.

There was a formula I found a few years ago that calculated the additional tongue weight based on how far back from the tongue/ball location the weight was added, along with distance from axles to front and the standard weight of the entire trailer. You think I could find it now, NOPE.

I thought about getting some concrete blocks that would match the weight of the batteries, take out the tanks and go to a scale and weigh it (with the tanks sitting on the tongue).

No commitment to start this project yet, as I need to get the actual numbers first.

snip...
There was a formula I found a few years ago that calculated the additional tongue weight based on how far back from the tongue/ball location the weight was added, along with distance from axles to front and the standard weight of the entire trailer. You think I could find it now, NOPE.

I thought about getting some concrete blocks that would match the weight of the batteries, take out the tanks and go to a scale and weigh it (with the tanks sitting on the tongue)....snip
Don

I don't have any concrete blocks around, so if I needed to calculate a ratio for 'ballpark' planning purposes, I could get close enough for me by pulling out the propane bottles, weigh those, then measure the tongue weight (bathroom scales method) with the propane bottles on and off the tongue.

Hi Don. I made a carrier out of steel angle iron that I put 6 batteries on at the tongue. You should have no problem with putting 4 on there. Before I did this I called Jayco about all that weight on the tongue and they said it would be all right.. BUT to not weld to the A frame as it would hurt the heat treating.